Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Date:
July 24, 2025
Whenever people think of hanging out or going to some place new, it sometimes feels like there is nothing much to do besides go eat at a million restaurants in Kathmandu. But the capital has much more to offer. Whether you’re a local tired of the same hangout spots or a traveler looking for something meaningful, creative, or exciting. Here’s a list of 30 activities in Kathmandu that go beyond food including creative classes, hidden experiences, and adrenaline-filled options.
Pottery Workshop in Bhaktapur
What It Is: Learn traditional Nepali pottery techniques from local artisans in Bhaktapur’s Pottery Square. Mold your own pieces and take them home as handmade souvenirs.
- Location: Pottery Square, Bhaktapur, just beyond the Durbar Square gate.
- Price Range: Rs. 250 per basic session
- Best For: Everyone, Every age group
- Parking: Available nearby for 2‑ and 4‑wheelers near the Durbar Square entrance.
- Alternative Places: Patan, EDEN Sanepa
Indoor Rock Climbing
What It Is: Climb Nepal’s tallest indoor wall at Astrek Park in Thamel. Gear rental and instruction are available for both beginners and experienced climbers.
- Location: Astrek Park, Thamel.
- Price Range: Rs. 500–1,000 with gear rental.
- Best For: Adventure Lovers, Friends, Fitness Enthusiasts
- Parking: Street parking only in Thamel or Chhaya Center
- Alternative Places: Gateway Adventures, Jagdol. Crimpanzee Adventure Hub, Boudha.
Art Jamming at House of Palettes
What It Is: A guided painting atelier inside a café where you can paint at your own pace, with no art experience needed. A calming, creative way to spend 2–4 hours.
- Location: Inside Evoke Café & Bistro, Jhamsikhel
- Price Range: Rs. 1,500 per standard canvas (includes supplies); larger sizes extra.
- Best For: Artists (beginners and pros alike), Families, Date Ideas
- Parking: Café parking nearby; street-level access via Jhamsikhel.
- Alternative Places: Sip and Paint
Archery in Jhamsikhel
What It Is: Learn archery basics in Kathmandu’s only dedicated archery space, located around Jhamsikhel area.
- Location: The Best Archery in Jhamsikhel.
- Price Range: 500-1000
- Best For: Families, Beginners, Sports Tryouts
- Parking: Likely available near range; usually street parking.
- Alternative Places: A-One Archery, Crimpanzee Adventure Hub
Singing Bowl Meditation Session
What It Is: Experience Tibetan singing bowl sound healing in guided meditation sessions, ideal for stress relief and mindfulness.
- Location: Multiple studios in Boudha and Thamel.
- Price Range: Rs. 500–1,500 depending on center and session length.
- Best For: Solo Mindful Seekers, Self-care Enthusiasts, Spiritual Explorers
- Parking: Depends on center.
Tennis at Kathmandu Courts
What It Is: Hit the clay courts at ANFA Complex or public courts in Mandikhatar. Courts are available by hourly rental; rackets can often be rented or borrowed.
- Location: ANFA Complex Satdobato; Mandikhatar open courts; MJ Tennis Court
- Price Range: Hourly rent; Casual play (~Rs. 300–800/hour).
- Best For: Casual Players, Social Groups, Sporty Dates
- Parking: Available inside larger facilities or nearby street.
Jewellery Making Higher Ground Nepal
What It Is: Join a local artisan for a small-group workshop crafting bracelets and necklace jewellery in traditional designs.
- Location: Higher Ground Nepal
- Price Range: Rs. 500
- Best For: Creative Couples, Small Groups, Souvenir Seekers
- Parking: Street and Paid parking in the neighborhood.
- Alternative Places: Workshops are often offered by artisans near Asan, Indra Chowk, and Patan.
Battlefield Paintball
What It Is: Gather your friends and join the battleship with the the theme of urban war fare style with both indoor and outdoor playing facilities.
Location: Ijaka Battlefield Paintball, Chobhar
Price Range: 1000-1500
Best For: Larger Groups, Friends
Parking: Street parking
Mirror Maze & Bowling at Civil Mall
What It Is: Explore the Mirror Maze labyrinth on the 4th floor, then head downstairs to bowling alleys in Civil Mall. Mirror Maze offers themed chambers.
Location: Civil Mall
Price Range: 250-1000
Best For: Groups, Families, Thrill Seekers
Parking: Mall parking for Civil Mall
Picnic at Godawari Botanical Garden
What It Is: A serene escape in southern Lalitpur lush botanical gardens, orchid greenhouses, koi ponds, and shaded lawns perfect for a relaxed picnic.
Location: Godawari Municipality, about 8 km from Ring Road, Lalitpur.
Price Range: Entry ~Rs. 150 (Nepali), Rs. 400 (foreigner)
Best For: Families, Couples, Nature Lovers
Parking: Available onsite with space for cars and motorcycles.
Ice Skating at Kathmandu Funland
What It Is: Ice skating rink in Funland, Bhadrakali offers genuine ice surface with rentals and safety gear. Packages range from 40 min to full combos with trampoline or mechanical bull riding.
Location: Kathmandu Funland, Bhadrakali Road, near Nepal Army petrol pump.
Price Range: Rs. 1,000 for 40 min; combo packages up to Rs. 3,000.
Best For: Families, Couples, Beginners & Intermediate Skaters
Parking: On-site Funland parking.
Hike to Jhor Waterfall, Tokha
What It Is: A short hike through forest paths to Jhor waterfall. After cooling off, brave the nearby zipline over the waterfall gorge.
Location: Northern Kathmandu, Tokha area, about 11 km from Ring Road.
Price Range: Free or nominal trek; Zipline Rs. 500‑1,000
Best For: Adventure Seekers, Families, Kids
Parking: Street parking available at trailhead.
Social Sundays At Himalayan Light Culture House
What It Is: Himalayan Light Culture House is a hidden gem located in Naxal that hosts Social Clubs with artists, creators, writers and musicians every Sunday.
Location: Naxal, Kathmandu
Price Range: Free, 150 for Coffee
Best For: Artistic Individuals, Culture appreciators
Parking: Street parking available.
Central Zoo at Jawalakhel
What It Is: Visit the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel combined with a cultural visit to the nearby Tibetan refugee settlement—home to monasteries, shops, and eateries.
Location: Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu.
Price Range: Zoo ~Rs. 400 entry; refugee community visit free.
Best For: Families, Culture Seekers, Children
Parking: Available near zoo entrance.
Museum Hopping
What It Is: Explore Nepal’s rich history and art through curated museums: the former royal palace (Narayanhiti), modern art at Taragaon, and Newari architecture at Patan Museum.
Location: Central Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur).
Price Range: Narayanhiti ~Rs. 1,500 (foreigner); Taragaon ~Rs. 600; Patan ~Rs. 1,000.
Best For: History Buffs, Solo Travelers, Culture Lovers
Parking: Limited street parking or nearby paid lots.
Kaiser Library and Garden of Dreams
What It Is: Wander through this neo-classical sanctuary in central Kathmandu. European-style gardens, fountains, pavilions and more. Ideal for tranquil meditation or casual reading.
Location: Kaiser Mahal, Thamel, Kathmandu.
Price Range: Rs. 150 (Nepali), Rs. 400 (Foreigner)
Best For: Solo Time, Book Lovers, Photography Enthusiasts
Parking: Nearby paid parking lots
Hike to Champadevi or Shivapuri Peaks
What It Is: Day hikes to nearby hills, Champadevi and Shivapuri offer panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Guided and unguided trails available.
Location: South (Champadevi) or north (Shivapuri) of Kathmandu.
Price Range: Free; permit for Shivapuri trek Rs. 300.
Best For: Fitness Buffs, Nature Lovers, Local Day-Trippers
Parking: Designated at trailhead; some trails park-inside areas.
Picnic & Zipline at Manjushree Park, Chobar
What It Is: Scenic riverside park overlooking Chobar Gorge, picnic lawns, and an adventure zipline spanning 400 m across the gorge.
Location: Chobar, about 7 km southwest of Kathmandu.
Price Range: Entry ~Rs. 50; zipline ~Rs. 500–1,000
Best For: Families, Date Outings, Nature & Adventure Lovers
Parking: Available in the park lot.
Theatre Shows at Kausi or Mandala / Aarohan Gurukul
What It Is: Experience intimate Nepali theatre, contemporary social dramas, classic plays, or experimental pieces at spaces such as Kausi Theater (Teku) or Mandala Theatre (Thapagaon).
Location: Kausi Theater, Teku; Mandala Theatre, Thapagaon, Kathmandu
Price Range: NPR 300–500 per show at Kausi; Mandala varies similarly.
Best For: Culture Lovers, Date Night, Local Arts Fans
Parking: Limited street parking around Teku; Kausi is walkable/public transport accessible.
Arcade & Indoor Fun at OOPS! Nepal
What It Is: Nepal’s first family entertainment center offering over 100 activities—arcade games, trampolines, bowling, VR, laser games, rope courses, soft play zones, Axe Throwing and more.
Location: Dhumbarahi, Pipalbot, Kathmandu
Price Range: Entry + game credits (~NPR 1,999/day or pay-per-game); packages available
Best For: Families, Teen Groups, Kids, Mixed-Age Fun
Parking: On-site ample parking for cars & bikes.
Swimming at Indoor Pool
What It Is: Indoor heated pool available at places like Gokarna Forest Golf Resort—ideal for family swims or relaxation post-round of golf.
Location: Gokarna Forest Resort, Thali, Kathmandu
Price Range: Access included for resort guests; day‑use charges may apply
Best For: Resort Guests, Fitness Enthusiasts, Families
Parking: Resort parking on-site.
Alternative Places: Club Himalaya, Hotel Varnabas, Aloft
Golf at Gokarna Forest Golf Course
What It Is: A championship 18‑hole, par‑72, bent‑grass greens golf course set among lush forest—considered one of the finest in South Asia, with Himalayan views and wildlife sightings.
Location: Gokarna Forest Resort, Kathmandu
Price Range: Green fee ~USD 29–35+; packages include resort stay and spa.
Best For: Golfers, Nature Enthusiasts, Luxury Travelers
Parking: Available on-site.
Go‑Karting at Wonderland Nepal
What It Is: Youth‑ and family‑friendly kart tracks (indoor/outdoor). Race along multi-level or rooftop tracks with junior and standard karts.
Location: OOPS Nepal (Dhumbarahi), plus new track at Wonderland rooftop in Bungamati, Lalitpur
Price Range: Entry + kart rental credits; track-only charges; junior vs adult karts available—information shared per facility (~NPR 1,000+).
Best For: Teens, Families, Friendly Competition
Parking: Both locations offer on-site parking.
Farmers Market at Le Sherpa
What It Is: A bustling Saturday morning market with fresh Nepalese produce, artisan bread, cheese, honey, vegan sauces, jams, and specialty goods.
Location: Le Sherpa Village, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Price Range: Free entry; items priced individually.
Best For: Foodies, Families, Organic Shopping, Community Mornings
Parking: Adjacent lot and street parking at Sherpa Village.
Cat Café Nepal
What It Is: Cozy café offering coffee, snacks, and resident cats for cuddle-time and playful relaxation.
Location: Mid Baneshwor, Kathmandu
Price Range: Rs. 500
Best For: Cat Lovers, Solo Coffee Dates, Relaxation
Parking: Two- and four-wheeler parking available on-site.
Private Movie Streaming / Personal Home Cinema
What It Is: Private lounge rentals, often arranged through private screening venues.
Location:
Price Range: Private room by the hour (~Rs. 1,000–2,000+) plus film rental/popcorn.
Best For: Date Nights, Small Groups, Film Lovers
Parking: Cinema parking or nearby multiplex facilities.
Join a Run Club in Kathmandu
What It Is: Happens every Wednesday or Saturday, it is a way to connect with other runners.
Location: Popular meet-ups around Sanepa and Lazimpat areas
Price Range: Free or minimal membership/volunteer-led.
Best For: Fitness Enthusiasts, Solo Runners, Community Oriented
Parking: Nearby Stupa or street parking; club announcements share meeting points.
Trivia Night or Open Mic at Purple Haze / Garage
What It Is: Weekly trivia quizzes or open mic evenings. Local musicians, poets, and comedians take the stage in a friendly, casual venue.
Location: Purple Haze Rock Bar, Paryatan Marg, Kathmandu
Price Range: Often free entry; may require drink purchase.
Best For: Creative Souls, Gamers, Social Nights
Parking: Same as karaoke: limited street parking.
Spa Day at various Spa’s
What It Is: Join a sound healing session with Tibetan singing bowls. A soothing way to de-stress and explore alternative wellness practices.
Location: Boudha or Thamel (multiple centers)
Price Range: Rs. 500–1500 depending on center
Best For: Self-care, Mindfulness, Spiritual Seekers
Parking: Depends on center
Karaoke at The Hyderabad House
What It Is: While Hyderabad House is primarily a restaurant famous for its Hyderabadi biryani, they have a Karaoke room that
Location: Sanepa, Lalitpur District, Kathmandu
Price Range: Typical restaurant range, meals from ~Rs 500–1,200; no ticket events involved
Best For: Big friend groups
Parking: Available
